Henry aims to make good for Broncos

[Hogan11]

Quite a contrast to some other players on the team....

Henry aims to make good for Broncos
By Bill Williamson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 01/29/2008 01:35:13 AM MST


Travis Henry (Post file)Travis Henry spent the first month of the offseason stewing about the past season and thinking of a way to make it up to the Broncos, who must decide whether to keep him or cut him. Henry made his choice clear Monday.

"I want to make it right to the Broncos, the fans and myself," he said. "I want to be a Bronco and make it all right. I don't want to be anywhere else. I owe those people something for all that happened last year. I want to clear my name there. I'm so hungry to do right there."

What bothers Henry most about his first season in Denver and seventh in the league was that it all started so well before imploding. After the first four games, Henry led the NFL in rushing and looked the part of the tailback the Broncos made a priority in free agency and spent $22.5 million over five years to obtain.
Then in early October, word of an alleged positive drug test broke and Henry faced a possible one-year suspension. He filed a lawsuit against the NFL over the test, and after a 54-day saga, Henry won an NFL appeal to keep playing. However, Henry suffered a series of knee and rib injuries that ruined his season. In the final 12 games of the season, Henry missed four games and didn't have more than 65 yards in a single game. He didn't have a carry in the season finale against Minnesota.

"It was my toughest season," Henry said. "It was a big distraction for everyone, and then I started getting hurt. It was just a bad season all around."

Henry said he felt pressure in August when a lawsuit was filed against him in Georgia for child support. The suit disclosed that Henry had fathered nine children by nine women.

"All this stuff about my kids came out, and that hurt," Henry said. "I just want to forget about this season and be the best I can be for the Denver Broncos. I really want to make it work for the Broncos. I love that system and that history, and I know I can do well there. I just want that chance."

The Broncos owe Henry $6 million in option bonus money, and the team has had preliminary talks with his agent about the future. While there is a chance Henry could be a salary cap casualty in the next month, the team would like to keep him because he is a bruising back, and he would complement the faster, younger but injury-prone Selvin Young. Henry said he is keeping out of the financial affairs, but it is clear he wants to return.

"I'm already back in Denver working out," Henry said.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8104423

[Sassy]

"I'm already back in Denver working out," Henry said.
Dang...he didn't get invited to Atlanta ;D

[Hogan11]

"I'm already back in Denver working out," Henry said.
Dang...he didn't get invited to Atlanta ;D

He has his own "posse" to worry about

[Atlas]

Damn fly keeps bothering me at my desk and I can't find a fly swatter anywhere.

[Killericon]

Good to hear.

[Hogan11]

If only Walker had said the same things as Henry here.....

[2KBack]

If only Walker had said the same things as Henry here.....

so true. Alot of people have soured on Travis because of this past season, but he weathered the storm like a man. He seems to have a good understanding of his position, and if he wants to make right, I think he can still be a good player for this team.

[alkemical]

I want Travis Henry back next year. I think he's a really good back. His tough running will be appreciated in the Goal Line, etc.

[broncswin]

Instead of staying out of the finacial side of things, he needs to get involved and take a pay cut...that will help in making things right with the team.

[alkemical]

I don't think he needs a pay cut IMO. The drug test was bogus IMO.

[Drek]

Instead of staying out of the finacial side of things, he needs to get involved and take a pay cut...that will help in making things right with the team.

Hell no.

Henry should just leave that between his agent and Shanahan, all he has to do is tell his agent that he wants to stay in Denver for '08 and to make it work.

As soon as you have a player dealing with the fact that he's got to chop millions off his deal you're creating bad blood. Its better for Henry to be completely separate from the financial aspects and keep this same kind of fire for wanting to prove he's worth the chance we gave him last year.

That in itself is a big part why the player/agent system has developed. Players can't make unemotional decisions financially most of the time. When they start acting like they can and shoving themselves in the middle of what should be a front office to agent dialog you get the situation with have with Javon, who is too damn willing to talk about his money and what he feels he's worth.

Talk quiet and carry a big stick as it where. Do it on the field and you'll get paid.

[cmhargrove]

I don't think he needs a pay cut IMO. The drug test was bogus IMO.

I agree, Henry handled his problems like a man, but there was no bogus drug test. He tested at least mildly positive - end of story. He got out of the lawsuit because of a technicality, not because he passed the drug test.

I'm all for reworking his deal and keeping him, but Travis Henry tested positive for marijuana (although a small amount). So he was either smoking it, or in the room with someone who was. Hopefully this whole ordeal with his kids and drugs has scared the hell out of him.

Time will tell.

[Beantown Bronco]

Henry could care less if he has to re-negotiate at this point anyway. I'm pretty sure the courts have decided (or will decide in the near future) that any bonus he is paid is going straight into a trust fund set up for his kids/babies mommas.

[400HZ]

Sounds like a guy desperate to hang onto his retirement dough.

[cmhargrove]

Sounds like a guy desperate to hang onto his retirement dough.

Sometimes desperation is the perfect medicine for a self absorbed child in a man's body.

[BigPlayShay]

Wouldn't mind having him back at all if he is willing to do right by the team financially. Year after year we go through this "plenty of depth" at the RB situation, but it never truly works out. We will need Henry, Young, and Hall next year. History has proven as much.

[Popcorn Sutton]

Stop spreading your seed and stop smoking the weed... save us some cap room for next season and welcome back... :)

[theAPAOps5]

I like the attitude. Bill Williamson confused me a little though. He said Henry is the perfect compliment to Young who is fast but injury prone. What does that make Henry, a bruiser who's just a little less injury prone!

[Broncoman13]

Hell no.

Henry should just leave that between his agent and Shanahan, all he has to do is tell his agent that he wants to stay in Denver for '08 and to make it work.

As soon as you have a player dealing with the fact that he's got to chop millions off his deal you're creating bad blood. Its better for Henry to be completely separate from the financial aspects and keep this same kind of fire for wanting to prove he's worth the chance we gave him last year.

That in itself is a big part why the player/agent system has developed. Players can't make unemotional decisions financially most of the time. When they start acting like they can and shoving themselves in the middle of what should be a front office to agent dialog you get the situation with have with Javon, who is too damn willing to talk about his money and what he feels he's worth.

Talk quiet and carry a big stick as it where. Do it on the field and you'll get paid.


Exactly, best case scenario for Henry and the Broncos... Denver goes to his agent and tells him, we're not going to give Travis a $6m roster bonus. We will however convert that money into performance incentives. And, those performance incentives will be reasonable to achieve, something along the lines of 200 carries, 4 ypc, 800 yards, 40% of the snaps, etc. That would protect the Broncos should he miss time with injury or a personal issue. It also provides Travis Henry a good enough/easy enough incentive package to reach so that he is protected as well. Basically, if he's healthy and doesn't miss time, he'll reach those thresholds relatively easy. 12 carries a game. 50 yards rushing per game. 4 yards per carry may be a lot for most teams, but in the ZB scheme it should be easy to achieve.

Like Drek said though, Travis should stay out of it. Let Shanny go to his agent and lay it down. Then his agent can turn around and lay it down Barney style for Travis. "You want to give back to the Broncos, this is the perfect scenario. You're actually helping them out and in turn they are willing to give you ALL of your money, just in another way", is how his agent should present it.

[Smiling Assassin27]

Is the guy trustworthy? I haven't seen anything that would lead me to believe anything he has said here, no matter how good it sounds. Is he a capable back? Not sure. He's had debilitating injuries that make him an average back and if there are no major changes on the OL, he'll be that again.

Get him to give back some cap room, then make him earn a spot.

[kamakazi_kal]

Where's Master P when you need him. That deal would get done, and quick.

[lex]

Quite a contrast to some other players on the team....

Henry aims to make good for Broncos
By Bill Williamson
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 01/29/2008 01:35:13 AM MST


Travis Henry (Post file)Travis Henry spent the first month of the offseason stewing about the past season and thinking of a way to make it up to the Broncos, who must decide whether to keep him or cut him. Henry made his choice clear Monday.

"I want to make it right to the Broncos, the fans and myself," he said. "I want to be a Bronco and make it all right. I don't want to be anywhere else. I owe those people something for all that happened last year. I want to clear my name there. I'm so hungry to do right there."

What bothers Henry most about his first season in Denver and seventh in the league was that it all started so well before imploding. After the first four games, Henry led the NFL in rushing and looked the part of the tailback the Broncos made a priority in free agency and spent $22.5 million over five years to obtain.
Then in early October, word of an alleged positive drug test broke and Henry faced a possible one-year suspension. He filed a lawsuit against the NFL over the test, and after a 54-day saga, Henry won an NFL appeal to keep playing. However, Henry suffered a series of knee and rib injuries that ruined his season. In the final 12 games of the season, Henry missed four games and didn't have more than 65 yards in a single game. He didn't have a carry in the season finale against Minnesota.

"It was my toughest season," Henry said. "It was a big distraction for everyone, and then I started getting hurt. It was just a bad season all around."

Henry said he felt pressure in August when a lawsuit was filed against him in Georgia for child support. The suit disclosed that Henry had fathered nine children by nine women.

"All this stuff about my kids came out, and that hurt," Henry said. "I just want to forget about this season and be the best I can be for the Denver Broncos. I really want to make it work for the Broncos. I love that system and that history, and I know I can do well there. I just want that chance."

The Broncos owe Henry $6 million in option bonus money, and the team has had preliminary talks with his agent about the future. While there is a chance Henry could be a salary cap casualty in the next month, the team would like to keep him because he is a bruising back, and he would complement the faster, younger but injury-prone Selvin Young. Henry said he is keeping out of the financial affairs, but it is clear he wants to return.

"I'm already back in Denver working out," Henry said.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_8104423

too late

[ND Bronco Fan]

Maybe this has been answered before but I could not find it. Henry was close to coming off the "watch list" before he failed that test.....so when he was cleared of a negative test has that time elapsed now and he is clean and clear in the drug program where if he fails a test he starts over again or is still a one year suspension?

[Beantown Bronco]

Maybe this has been answered before but I could not find it. Henry was close to coming off the "watch list" before he failed that test.....so when he was cleared of a negative test has that time elapsed now and he is clean and clear in the drug program where if he fails a test he starts over again or is still a one year suspension?

Part of the deal with the league for them to "drop" the case they had this fall was that Henry had to agree to remain in the program for another year. So if he fails another test, it's a one year suspension.

[rovolution]

too late

i dont think its too late.

Travis deserves another chance, and im sure he will be back


i wish Javon had the same attitude as well

[alkemical]

Yeah here you have a guy, who knows last year was a bad year, and he wants to earn it. I'm not even worried about his contract - Just give him a second chance, make him at ease. He'll be fine.

[i4jelway7]

I smell a restructure coming on

[Northman]

so true. Alot of people have soured on Travis because of this past season, but he weathered the storm like a man. He seems to have a good understanding of his position, and if he wants to make right, I think he can still be a good player for this team.


Still wont matter, he is too damn slow with no breakaway speed whatsover.

[Northman]

I agree, Henry handled his problems like a man, but there was no bogus drug test. He tested at least mildly positive - end of story. He got out of the lawsuit because of a technicality, not because he passed the drug test.




Ding Ding Ding Ding. We have a winner.

[Beantown Bronco]

Still wont matter, he is too damn slow with no breakaway speed whatsover.

If "too damn slow" can lead the league after 4 games, then who needs speed?

[Florida_Bronco]

I applaud Travis for fighting through his injuries like a warrior and wanting to make things right here. Hopefully he can put up a good season.

[BigPlayShay]

If "too damn slow" can lead the league after 4 games, then who needs speed?

Not to mention that even when he was not healthy he was the best back on the team in the redzone.

[Atwater His Ass]

too late

Speak for yourself.

[Natedogg]

Better than Twinkle Toes Bell.

[Northman]

If "too damn slow" can lead the league after 4 games, then who needs speed?

Ha!

Yea, we had played Buffalo and Oakland 25th and 31st rush defense's followed by his whopping performance of 35 yards against the 11th ranked Jaguars and then the 15th ranked Colts who were playing better defense later in the year. Yea, i guess thats something to crow about it guess. You cant just look at the tiny picture, you have to break it down and understand how it came about before you crown him a HOF. And thats not even including his health issues and off the field problems.

[NFLBRONCO]

I'd rather have one of the rookie RB's then Henry. He gets hurt too easy. He did nothing after first 4 games. 22 mill or a rookie deal you decide.

[Northman]

I'd rather have one of the rookie RB's then Henry. He gets hurt too easy


What are you talking about? He only needs to give us one play a game before hobbling off the field come on man! Give the guy a break! Ha!

[oubronco]

Personally i don't give a rats azzz who the RB is just hit the hole and run hard every down give it all you got that's all

[Beantown Bronco]

you have to break it down and understand how it came about before you crown him a HOF. And thats not even including his health issues and off the field problems.

I never crowned him or said anything about HOF. All I was doing was refuting your statement that he is too slow to be effective.

And what do his health issues and off the field problems have to do with his speed anyway? Try sticking to your own point, or did you realize it is an indefensible one?

Ha!

Yea, we had played Buffalo and Oakland 25th and 31st rush defense's followed by his whopping performance of 35 yards against the 11th ranked Jaguars and then the 15th ranked Colts who were playing better defense later in the year. Yea, i guess thats something to crow about it guess.

Time to discount all those wins the Pats got this year against the AFC East and AFC North....cause those teams all suck.

[Northman]

I never crowned him or said anything about HOF. All I was doing was refuting your statement that he is too slow to be effective.

And what do his health issues and off the field problems have to do with his speed anyway? Try sticking to your own point, or did you realize it is an indefensible one?


So your on record as saying health issues dont play a part in a effective running back? Thats pretty funny. So the first 4 weeks was your highlight your hanging you hat on? Versus two very crappy run defenses no less? As for the speed, he has none which when you play teams like oh i dont know? The Jaguars? Speed would come in real handy when playing tougher opponents. Its ok, go ahead with your lovefest for the guy and when he fails yet again next year come back to this thread and give me the excuses as too why he failed yet again. Ha!

[Northman]

Time to discount all those wins the Pats got this year against the AFC East and AFC North....cause those teams all suck.


Talk about sticking to a point. What does this have to do with Travis racking up yardage on crappy defenses?

[Dr. Broncenstein]

**** Travis Henry

[SonOfLe-loLang]

So your on record as saying health issues dont play a part in a effective running back? Thats pretty funny. So the first 4 weeks was your highlight your hanging you hat on? Versus two very crappy run defenses no less? As for the speed, he has none which when you play teams like oh i dont know? The Jaguars? Speed would come in real handy when playing tougher opponents. Its ok, go ahead with your lovefest for the guy and when he fails yet again next year come back to this thread and give me the excuses as too why he failed yet again. Ha!

In the current Bronco offense, it appears as if he won't be shouldering the entire load. He'd make a nice option 1b to Selvin's 1a as their styles differ. I still think Travis can be an effective 4th quarter runner provided he's fresh and healthy (which is more likely if he's splitting carries.) He can break tackles and punish tired defenders. The guy is a proven runner in the NFL and obviously has the vision and skills to succeed in the broncos offense. He doesn't necessarily need to be the home run threat you're looking for to be effective. He's clearly not worth the money he's being paid now, but with a smaller salary and his apparent motivation, I think there is the real potential for a nice season ahead.

PS ... crappy run defenses or not, leading the league after 4 games is an accomplishment and i'm sure not every single back in the league could have done it under the same circumstances like you *might* be suggesting.

[Northman]

In the current Bronco offense, it appears as if he won't be shouldering the entire load. He'd make a nice option 1b to Selvin's 1a as their styles differ. I still think Travis can be an effective 4th quarter runner provided he's fresh and healthy (which is more likely if he's splitting carries.)

He was splitting carries this year not much has changed or will change next year. He did nothing against the Jaguars when the team needed him to step up the most. Especially for the salary that he is getting paid.


He doesn't necessarily need to be the home run threat you're looking for to be effective. He's clearly not worth the money he's being paid now,

Gee, you think?

but with a smaller salary and his apparent motivation, I think there is the real potential for a nice season ahead.

I must of missed the thread where he was restructuring can you give me the link. That would make my day.

PS ... crappy run defenses or not, leading the league after 4 games is an accomplishment and i'm sure not every single back in the league could have done it under the same circumstances like you *might* be suggesting.

So your saying backs like Peterson, Maroney, Parker, and the such couldnt do what he did? Oh boy.

[Beantown Bronco]

So your on record as saying health issues dont play a part in a effective running back?

Nope. I'm on record as saying that health issues have nothing to do with your statement that Henry is slow. You make one argument about his speed, then jump to another completely different argument about his health to try to support your statement about his speed. It didn't work.

Thats pretty funny. So the first 4 weeks was your highlight your hanging you hat on? Versus two very crappy run defenses no less? As for the speed, he has none which when you play teams like oh i dont know? The Jaguars? Speed would come in real handy when playing tougher opponents. Its ok, go ahead with your lovefest for the guy and when he fails yet again next year come back to this thread and give me the excuses as too why he failed yet again. Ha!

If you love speed so much, then I hear the Lions are shopping Tatum Bell.

[Beantown Bronco]

Talk about sticking to a point. What does this have to do with Travis racking up yardage on crappy defenses?

If you are struggling with seeing the comparison between bagging on a RB for inflated stats against crappy run defenses and bagging on a team for inflated stats against crappy opponents, then you have bigger problems than I thought.

[Inkana7]

He was splitting carries this year not much has changed or will change next year. He did nothing against the Jaguars when the team needed him to step up the most. Especially for the salary that he is getting paid.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Jags didn't allow a 100-yard rusher from Week 2 until their Playoff loss to the Pats.

[Beantown Bronco]

He was splitting carries this year not much has changed or will change next year. He did nothing against the Jaguars when the team needed him to step up the most. Especially for the salary that he is getting paid..

And TD notoriously struggled against the Chargers. Thank God we judged him by his performances against one opponent. Not to mention the performance of the Oline in front of him.

I must of missed the thread where he was restructuring can you give me the link. That would make my day.

You'll most likely have it within a month.

[Northman]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Jags didn't allow a 100-yard rusher from Week 2 until their Playoff loss to the Pats.


Parker had 100 in the first meeting. He didnt play in the playoff game. Rhodes had 115 for Oakland. Only one other player had less than 40 yds on the ground besides Travis in the regular season.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

He was splitting carries this year not much has changed or will change next year. He did nothing against the Jaguars when the team needed him to step up the most. Especially for the salary that he is getting paid.




Gee, you think?



I must of missed the thread where he was restructuring can you give me the link. That would make my day.



So your saying backs like Peterson, Maroney, Parker, and the such couldnt do what he did? Oh boy.


OK, now you're being a condescending douchebag and clearly not open to any outside thought.

Quit pointing to ONE game against the Jaguars. ONE game is not enough of a sample size to define a season, much less a career. The Jags defense made a lot of people look silly and, if i recall, the Jags held the ball in that game for enormous amounts of time and we abandoned the run early. So get off it.

I didnt say he was restructuring, it was speculative and i thought my intentions were pretty obvious.

And i didn't say OTHER running backs couldnt have done it, i said not EVERY running back could and it's still an accomplishment. Read what i write.

[Beantown Bronco]

Parker had 100 in the first meeting. He didnt play in the playoff game. Rhodes had 115 for Oakland. Only one other player had less than 40 yds on the ground besides Travis in the regular season.

Way to cherry-pick. Travis had a whole 11 carries that game. What was he supposed to do, carry for 200 yds and three TDs? It's not his fault they hardly had the ball that game, and when they did, they didn't call for the run.

He did end up with one TD out of those 11 carries. Playing your game, how many of those jokers you listed above had a better ratio of carries to TDs?

[lex]

Speak for yourself.

Its not as though Im speaking on behalf of the lollipop guild.

[oubronco]

OK, now you're being a condescending douchebag and clearly not open to any outside thought.

play nice

[Northman]

OK, now you're being a condescending douchebag and clearly not open to any outside thought.

Quit pointing to ONE game against the Jaguars. ONE game is not enough of a sample size to define a season, much less a career. The Jags defense made a lot of people look silly and, if i recall, the Jags held the ball in that game for enormous amounts of time and we abandoned the run early. So get off it.

I didnt say he was restructuring, it was speculative and i thought my intentions were pretty obvious.

And i didn't say OTHER running backs couldnt have done it, i said not EVERY running back could and it's still an accomplishment. Read what i write.

How am i being condescending? Im pointing out specifics because that is where a back defines himself. Who gives a **** if he runs all day long on Buffalo and Oakland? He was one of 2 backs, count em, 2 backs who had less than 40 yds on the ground. And what other games am i going to point too? Oh yea, he was hurt. If we are going to be fair here than i guess we are in real bad shape. Hell, even Ron Dayne had 88 yds against them so did we make the mistake of cutting him? You tell me.

I see a lot of people speculate on this board and its just silly. Its more like wishful thinking but it is in no way proof that said player will do something like that. Stay with the facts that are in front of you. He isnt restructuring (at this time) and most likely wont as most athlete's for the most part want the payday. Thats just how it is. And since he doesnt come across as the "team" type of guy who has a lot of kids to feed to boot dont get your hopes up. Im not being a douchbag im just being a realist. I rather look at the big picture than pretend that some player is going to behave or do something that hasnt been verified in ANY format.

[Northman]

Way to cherry-pick. Travis had a whole 11 carries that game. What was he supposed to do, carry for 200 yds and three TDs? It's not his fault they hardly had the ball that game, and when they did, they didn't call for the run.

He did end up with one TD out of those 11 carries. Playing your game, how many of those jokers you listed above had a better ratio of carries to TDs?


They didnt call for the run because he wasnt effective. Thus, we got down to a team that could run and had to pass to get back in the game. Had captain spectacular been able to do more than 35 yds it may have been a different story now wouldnt it? And how is that cherry picking? The guy made a statement that no back had a 100 yd game after week 2 and i corrected him. Sorry if you dont like the facts but your just going to have to deal with it.

[lex]

Henry leaves too many long runs on the field. I believe his longest carry all season was his very first against Buffalo, which was that option pitch from Cutler.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

How am i being condescending? Im pointing out specifics because that is where a back defines himself. Who gives a **** if he runs all day long on Buffalo and Oakland? He was one of 2 backs, count em, 2 backs who had less than 40 yds on the ground. And what other games am i going to point too? Oh yea, he was hurt. If we are going to be fair here than i guess we are in real bad shape. Hell, even Ron Dayne had 88 yds against them so did we make the mistake of cutting him? You tell me.

I see a lot of people speculate on this board and its just silly. Its more like wishful thinking but it is in no way proof that said player will do something like that. Stay with the facts that are in front of you. He isnt restructuring (at this time) and most likely wont as most athlete's for the most part want the payday. Thats just how it is. And since he doesnt come across as the "team" type of guy who has a lot of kids to feed to boot dont get your hopes up. Im not being a douchbag im just being a realist. I rather look at the big picture than pretend that some player is going to behave or do something that hasnt been verified in ANY format.

Because your completely ignoring the enormous sample size of his career. Yes, he got hurt, but any predictions on his future productivity assumes some kind of health (otherwise this is a moot conversation). No one is claiming he's going to be a top five back, but he can still be effective as a second option. Look at what he did two years ago in Tenn. He was a beast.

And I agree with clav, the test was bogus. They claimed that he could have picked that up from second hand smoke and, guess what, people smoke pot. Half my friends do it and, believe it or not, they are good people.

[Northman]

Because your completely ignoring the enormous sample size of his career. Yes, he got hurt, but any predictions on his future productivity assumes some kind of health (otherwise this is a moot conversation). No one is claiming he's going to be a top five back, but he can still be effective as a second option. Look at what he did two years ago in Tenn. He was a beast.

The key word there is WAS. Can he get back to it? Maybe. But too much of a risk in my opinion especially for the money he is getting paid.

And I agree with clav, the test was bogus. They claimed that he could have picked that up from second hand smoke and, guess what, people smoke pot. Half my friends do it and, believe it or not, they are good people.


And if you got drug tested from second hand smoke you think your job would understand? I know mine wouldnt.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

The key word there is WAS. Can he get back to it? Maybe. But too much of a risk in my opinion especially for the money he is getting paid.




And if you got drug tested from second hand smoke you think your job would understand? I know mine wouldnt.



But that low amount wouldnt even be offensible, isn't that why it was thrown out? I could be completely wrong about that.

And i don't think Henry will be paid his full salary. I doubt he even thinks it. I'd be willing to bet it's restructured.

[bowtown]

I see a lot of people speculate on this board and its just silly. Its more like wishful thinking but it is in no way proof that said player will do something like that. Stay with the facts that are in front of you. He isnt restructuring (at this time) and most likely wont as most athlete's for the most part want the payday. Thats just how it is. And since he doesnt come across as the "team" type of guy who has a lot of kids to feed to boot dont get your hopes up. Im not being a douchbag im just being a realist. I rather look at the big picture than pretend that some player is going to behave or do something that hasnt been verified in ANY format.

This is an amazing comment. You say that people speculating is "just silly," and then turn around and start specualting that he won't resturcture and is not a "team" type of guy, after he just came out with an interveiw specifically saying he'd like to be a team type of guy and make it up to the Broncos. I have no idea if he is telling the truth or if he is willing to restructure... as far as you or I know they might already be working on a restructure deal right now. Point is, everything you just said is just as much speculation as anything else.

[BroncoBuff]

Save us some cap room for next season and welcome back... :)
Bingo :thumbs:

Welcome back, bruiser. ^5

[CBF1]

You guys are fighting over Travis Henry.... (Shaking his head) you have got to be kidding me.

[alkemical]

You guys are fighting over Travis Henry.... (Shaking his head) you have got to be kidding me.

Come on, he's likes ho's too

[montrose]

I have a hard time blaming Henry entirely for his on-field performance while playing behind the worst OL of the Shanahan era. If he's willing to take a major paycut and earn his carries - why not. I will pose the question of Henry that I do of every question mark on the Broncos roster - will he be able to help make a title push in 2009/2010? My opinion is no, which means you do whatever you need to with Henry and others (Walker, Gold, Hamilton) to minimize the financial blows heading into those seasons. It is far more important to keep around Marshall, Dumervil, Scheffler, Williams and co. for 2010 and beyond than it is to keep Henry, Walker, Gold and co. for a 2008 season in which the Broncos will likely be happy with a 9-7 season with a 1st round exit.

[Northman]

I have no idea if he is telling the truth or if he is willing to restructure... Point is, everything you just said is just as much speculation as anything else.


Your right, you dont. Im not speculating anything, im talking about what is going on right now. And right now he is not restructuring so any talk about it is fruitless. And as i pointed out in the very post you quoted there are 8 or 9 reasons why he wouldnt. He's got to feed his family right? So my point stands.

[bowtown]

Your right, you dont. Im not speculating anything, im talking about what is going on right now. And right now he is not restructuring so any talk about it is fruitless. And as i pointed out in the very post you quoted there are 8 or 9 reasons why he wouldnt. He's got to feed his family right? So my point stands.

And I'm saying that you are speculating. How do you know that he is not renegotiating at this very moment or that his agent hasn't already ben in touch with Sundquist about reworking his deal? You don't You are speculating, and you are using 8 or 9 reasons that seem logical to you, which is fine. But Henry also just stated several reasons from his own mouth that make the idea of him restructuring not nearly as crazy as you seem to think it is. Your point may stand but it stands as speculation as much as anyone else's here.

[NFLBRONCO]

He is coming across good to reduce chances of restructuring not anything else. He is a bum period I wish we never spent a dime on this guy. At this point who knows what will happen. I was excited when he signed but, he really bombed my expectations I had for him. I think Henry and Walker end up staying and so be it just hope they decide to produce on the field in 08 not standing on sideline all the time.

[Beantown Bronco]

Your right, you dont. Im not speculating anything, im talking about what is going on right now.

oh really?

He isnt restructuring (at this time) and most likely wont as most athlete's for the most part want the payday.

That right there is the very definition of speculating.

And right now he is not restructuring so any talk about it is fruitless.

Are you his agent? Do you know for a fact that his agent is not restructuring right now, or are you speculating?

[dsmoot]

I want Travis Henry back next year. I think he's a really good back. His tough running will be appreciated in the Goal Line, etc.

So will a few OLmen that can move people out of the way near the goal line.

[Inkana7]

So will a few OLmen that can move people out of the way near the goal line.

Amen.

[lex]

He is coming across good to reduce chances of restructuring not anything else. He is a bum period I wish we never spent a dime on this guy. At this point who knows what will happen. I was excited when he signed but, he really bombed my expectations I had for him. I think Henry and Walker end up staying and so be it just hope they decide to produce on the field in 08 not standing on sideline all the time.

Thank you! Its amazing that people wouldnt have learned this from Javon. At least Javon came in ready his first year and got it done, unlike Henry who was outperformed by a rookie.

I really hope he's out of here. He had his chance.

[lex]

So will a few OLmen that can move people out of the way near the goal line.

Bravo! A new running back and linemen would be great.

[NFLBRONCO]

My biggest fear is we keep Henry and pass on one of these stud backs and he does nothing again. Do I want to upgrade D of course but, it seems in the first 2 rounds in this draft talent is better at T RB WR positions.

[lex]

My biggest fear is we keep Henry and pass on one of these stud backs and he does nothing again. Do I want to upgrade D of course but, it seems in the first 2 rounds in this draft is better at T RB WR positions.

Agreed. And thats assuming he's allowed to play. He is one hot test away from leaving screwing us. With two strikes against him, it was really important that he come in focused and ready to play but he failed to deliver. If youre going to say it was only because he was injured, then that makes him no better than Selvin Young, who Shanahan acknowledged as a RB who he didnt think could carry the load...and Young is young while Henry is approaching 30.

[iforgotmypassword]

I want him, dont know if I want him enough to not restructure

[ward63]

Give him a good OL and see what he can do...

[lex]

Give him a good OL and see what he can do...


Selvin Young, a rookie, already has done more with the same offensive line. Raus!

[rovolution]

Selvin Young, a rookie, already has done more with the same offensive line. Raus!

Selvin didnt tear his PCL.

[Los Broncos]

I really want to see him one hundred percent healthy and carry the full load.

If all of his problems are behind him, he should get another shot.

[lex]

I really want to see him one hundred percent healthy and carry the full load.

If all of his problems are behind him, he should get another shot.

Too risky

[Los Broncos]

Too risky

Explain.

[lex]

Explain.

Whether its injuries, a failed piss test or another paternity issue, theres just too much to be concerned about with that dude. Plus, hes approaching 30.

[Los Broncos]

Whether its injuries, a failed piss test or another paternity issue, theres just too much to be concerned about with that dude. Plus, hes approaching 30.

So maybe dump him, bring in a feature back or draft and use Selvin as the number two?

[lex]

So maybe dump him, bring in a feature back or draft and use Selvin as the number two?


Yeah, I was looking at the running backs over the next couple of years and no RBs jump out to me at this point. Of course two years is a long time and guys could emerge but I still dont see the depth at RB that we'll see this year for a while, especially if we're drafting in the 20s which is more typical for us in recent years. We need OLine help too. Id prefer to draft offense mainly and add a couple of FAs on defense.

[theAPAOps5]

Yeah, I was looking at the running backs over the next couple of years and no RBs jump out to me at this point. Of course two years is a long time and guys could emerge but I still dont see the depth at RB that we'll see this year for a while, especially if we're drafting in the 20s which is more typical for us in recent years. We need OLine help too. Id prefer to draft offense mainly and add a couple of FAs on defense.

Here is how I view our draft needs, OL, DT, LB, S, FB. I don't have an answer at which matters more. I believe Shanny should make a list of needs and whittle them down 5 or 6. Lets say one is off the board you go with the next guy on your list. You let the chips fall. Shanny got bluffed last year so he went all in on Moss, and cost the pot. Chasing in the days up to the draft are fine, its how teams have landed top talent. Its the chasing in middle of the rounds or after a pick was made that hurts our team.

[lex]

Here is how I view our draft needs, OL, DT, LB, S, FB. I don't have an answer at which matters more. I believe Shanny should make a list of needs and whittle them down 5 or 6. Lets say one is off the board you go with the next guy on your list. You let the chips fall. Shanny got bluffed last year so he went all in on Moss, and cost the pot. Chasing in the days up to the draft are fine, its how teams have landed top talent. Its the chasing in middle of the rounds or after a pick was made that hurts our team.


There can be a big difference though between position of greatest need and a position of greatest impact. I actually wanted to get a safety last year (namely Reggie Nelson) because I thought that was a position of quality last year in the draft.

[theAPAOps5]

There can be a big difference though between position of greatest need and a position of greatest impact. I actually wanted to get a safety last year (namely Reggie Nelson) because I thought that was a position of quality last year in the draft.


One day science is going to study us and they are going to see in our blogs that two emerging draft strategies emerged early on in the Draft/FA era.

There the draft for need and there are the draft for best position. Its quite the dichotomy because one side says no we have holes get them filled. The other side says who cares about holes this guy is a franchise guy.

When it all boils down to it Denver must union the two ideologies. Draft an impact player that either fits a team need or trade a pick to pick up more blocks. But if it comes down to it draft a talent and work with the rest.

[~Crash~]

Yeah here you have a guy, who knows last year was a bad year, and he wants to earn it. I'm not even worried about his contract - Just give him a second chance, make him at ease. He'll be fine.

the reason he is so happy to stay a Bronco is simple !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 7 or so JR RB that are really great RB's he Is IMO worried as hell ! And he should be !

[Jetmeck]

Ha!

Yea, we had played Buffalo and Oakland 25th and 31st rush defense's followed by his whopping performance of 35 yards against the 11th ranked Jaguars and then the 15th ranked Colts who were playing better defense later in the year. Yea, i guess thats something to crow about it guess. You cant just look at the tiny picture, you have to break it down and understand how it came about before you crown him a HOF. And thats not even including his health issues and off the field problems.


With our O-line hell yes that was pretty good.

[wabbit]

I really want to see him one hundred percent healthy and carry the full load.

If all of his problems are behind him, he should get another shot.

I can agree with the prospect of seeing what he can do fully healthy, but, with 9 kids by 9 different women in 9 states, I tend to think his personal troubles will never be too far behind.

At the very least...and they are only words, he's saying the right things.

If he were to agree to re-negotiate that 6-mil bonus into incentives as someone suggested, I have to think Shanahan will want to keep him around.

Even without a new, down-sized contract, I honestly think the Broncos would balk at just releasing him.

It could happen I suppose, but damn, in my mind, it would open the door to a possible 1st round draft surprise, more FA auditions at crucial DT & OT positions and virtually no major talent upgrades for this defense going into the 2008 season.

Ugh

[broncocalijohn]

I never soured on him like so many here. He was one of the top yardage rushers before we had our bye week. He was great in the Buffalo game. Even though i cherish character for teams, I am not going to let a bad drug test and his affection for being anti condom going to dictate how i feel about him as a player. He isnt Pac Man Jones or Rae Curruth. He is a good football player that makes horrible decisions in his off the field "play". We tossed Tatum and Mike Bell didnt pan out like we all hoped. He is our guy unless we find a gem of a RB in the 5th round.

[alkemical]

I never soured on him like so many here. He was one of the top yardage rushers before we had our bye week. He was great in the Buffalo game. Even though i cherish character for teams, I am not going to let a bad drug test and his affection for being anti condom going to dictate how i feel about him as a player. He isnt Pac Man Jones or Rae Curruth. He is a good football player that makes horrible decisions in his off the field "play". We tossed Tatum and Mike Bell didnt pan out like we all hoped. He is our guy unless we find a gem of a RB in the 5th round.

Exactly.

[Beantown Bronco]

I'd like all the "dump Henry for nothing" crowd to go re-watch his performanced in the pre-season games and first four weeks of the regular season again. I swear that on at least 50% of his carries, he was taking hits or had to avoid tacklers in the backfield and still managed to get quality yardage. He was a beast and EVERYONE here was loving how hard he ran and how he made positive carries out of plays that would've certainly gone for negative yardage with most of the jokers the Broncos had at RB the last few years.

How soon we forget.....

[TheReverend]

I'd like all the "dump Henry for nothing" crowd to go re-watch his performanced in the pre-season games and first four weeks of the regular season again. I swear that on at least 50% of his carries, he was taking hits or had to avoid tacklers in the backfield and still managed to get quality yardage. He was a beast and EVERYONE here was loving how hard he ran and how he made positive carries out of plays that would've certainly gone for negative yardage with most of the jokers the Broncos had at RB the last few years.

How soon we forget.....

Couldn't agree more!

That Buffallo game where he breaks free and then bulldozes that DB for 10 yards into the endzone was awesome (too bad he stepped out). One of the most fun to watch runners in the game when he's back healthy.

[NASurfer]

I never soured on him like so many here. He was one of the top yardage rushers before we had our bye week. He was great in the Buffalo game. Even though i cherish character for teams, I am not going to let a bad drug test and his affection for being anti condom going to dictate how i feel about him as a player. He isnt Pac Man Jones or Rae Curruth. He is a good football player that makes horrible decisions in his off the field "play". We tossed Tatum and Mike Bell didnt pan out like we all hoped. He is our guy unless we find a gem of a RB in the 5th round.
The judge also had him set up a trust fund so his kids will actually get their child support... so he won't blow all his cash on fast cars and expensive jewelry. The guy just doesn't have any common sense and as mentioned five posts before mine, his personal issues will never be too far behind. That's not someone I want leading Denver's ground attack... our bread and butter.

As far as his actual playing ability, with his running style and age, I have my doubts he can be our workhorse and finish the season injury free.... ??? Do we really want to see our second and third string backs starting in week 14 or 15?

[cmhargrove]

Couldn't agree more!

That Buffallo game where he breaks free and then bulldozes that DB for 10 yards into the endzone was awesome (too bad he stepped out). One of the most fun to watch runners in the game when he's back healthy.

Are you talking about Travis Henry or Marshawn Lynch? :wiggle:

[Drek]

Too risky

The greatest risk is in trying to dump Henry and find a replacement.

He's already got a good chunk of guaranteed bonus money. If we keep him and restructure we might be able to protect ourselves from some of that. Even if we can't get a restructure out of him another failed drug test gets us all the bonus money back due to a contract clause. We cut him we can't do either of those and take the cap hit now.

Keeping Henry is better for the cap and if he actually does stay healthy and focused on football it makes us better on the field.

I think we should go out and get a stud in this fairly deep RB class to cover our asses and get a long term answer in place, but Henry should be retained and lined up as the '08 starter at this point.

[TheReverend]

Are you talking about Travis Henry or Marshawn Lynch? :wiggle:

Henry.

PS. you're hilarious

PPS. really... hilarious...

[lex]

The greatest risk is in trying to dump Henry and find a replacement.

He's already got a good chunk of guaranteed bonus money. If we keep him and restructure we might be able to protect ourselves from some of that. Even if we can't get a restructure out of him another failed drug test gets us all the bonus money back due to a contract clause. We cut him we can't do either of those and take the cap hit now.

If he fails a drug test, we are down a running back. What good will saving $ do us then?

Keeping Henry is better for the cap and if he actually does stay healthy and focused on football it makes us better on the field.

It sound like the cap is your best argument for him. Im not saying its not valid but Id prefer that it be weighted towards performance. With everything that is going on with him, its hard to imagine him not getting distracted or hurt.

I think we should go out and get a stud in this fairly deep RB class to cover our asses and get a long term answer in place, but Henry should be retained and lined up as the '08 starter at this point.
I agree in that we should get someone else. The only thing about keeping him and drafting someone would be that his ego may not handle it that well. It didnt go so well in Buffalo when they brought in McGahee. Otherwise, I can deal with keeping him as help but I dont think we should be pinning our hopes on him absolutely. Keeping him would mean we would have 4 RBs though and Im not really in favor of dumping Hall or Young to keep Henry.

[Drek]

If he fails a drug test, we are down a running back. What good will saving $ do us then?
It won't, which is why we need a legit 20+ carry backup, but no matter who starts Young and Hall won't cut it should the starter miss significant time, they aren't 20+ carry backs and Shanahan has said as much. So with Henry we need one 20+ carry back to back him up, without Henry we need two. See the dilemma?

It sound like the cap is your best argument for him. Im not saying its not valid but Id prefer that it be weighted towards performance. With everything that is going on with him, its hard to imagine him not getting distracted or hurt.
Yep, because we'll almost definitely cost ourselves more money to cut him than to keep him. Why pay him a lot of money to not play for us when he'd likely be willing to stay for significantly less?

I agree in that we should get someone else. The only thing about keeping him and drafting someone would be that his ego may not handle it that well. It didnt go so well in Buffalo when they brought in McGahee. Otherwise, I can deal with keeping him as help but I dont think we should be pinning our hopes on him absolutely. Keeping him would mean we would have 4 RBs though and Im not really in favor of dumping Hall or Young to keep Henry.
He plays better when fighting for his job though. When Buffalo drafted McGahee he started playing his best football. When Tennessee drafted Lendale White he did the same. Putting an upstart youngster behind him is the proven way to motivate him. It might only be for a one or two year time period, but we'd get the most Henry could give us then.

What it really boils down to is that in order to cut Henry we'll have to pay him more than what we'd probably need to give him to restructure and stay. So we're paying more just to dump him. That makes no sense because when he's healthy he's a significantly better player than either of our other RBs (don't compare his late season numbers to Selvin's, he wasn't healthy then. Compare his first four games to Selvin's season and you'll get a truer gauge of skill levels). Why give up talent and money just because he isn't likable, and in the process create a larger problem for ourselves to solve at RB?

And bringing someone else in doesn't mean we have to lose one of Young or Hall. We've carried 4 HBs before, and last year we carried a total of 6 RBs, 3 HBs and 3 FBs with Mike Bell never seeing the field in the FB role and Paul Smith only being used on special teams. I don't think 4 HBs and 2 FBs is a stretch for this club. We could go out and draft both a HB and FB and still find room for them because lets be honest, Cecil Sapp can't block and so he's just not a good fit at FB. It wouldn't take much to upgrade over him.

*edit*
Also, I'm not a Henry apologist. I seriously wish he'd failed his appeal, gotten suspended, and we were able to cut off his bonus and avoid the cap hit. I don't think he can reliably stay healthy and I don't think he's a safe bet to stay clean now that the NFL substance abuse crew is going to be watching him like a hawk and doing everything by the book in an attempt to nail him and make it stick. I wish we didn't have him on the roster. But he sounds willing to take a pay cut in order to remain here, and thats a significantly better outcome than paying him a big chunk of money to leave, only to make RB go from being our 4th or 5th biggest need to our 2nd or 3rd.

[Inkana7]

Are you talking about Travis Henry or Marshawn Lynch? :wiggle:

That wasn't a DB that Marshawn bullied into the Endzone. It was Ian Gold. :~ohyah!:

[Muddled]

Well, sounds right, but hate to have to agree with 400HZ, but this very well just could be horse**** coming out his mouth because he knows he's ****ed up so much last year he won't get a contract like this anywhere else ever again

[lex]

That wasn't a DB that Marshawn bullied into the Endzone. It was Ian Gold. :~ohyah!:

And that was also the DTs fault.

[broncos loveI]

You can never have to many RB's in the NFL. I really hope Henry doesnt get cut , I like the guy for some reason.

[broncocalijohn]

I wont quote myself from the last page but I do want to make it clear that not letting his character get in the way of his performance means that we all ready have him signed and his problems stem from not criminal activity ie. baby making machine. That said, this would have been a lot better topic if the juicy bits came out while we were negotiating with him and his agent. I would hate to have this one flagged and show me as some hypocrite later when it is time to place an opinion on signing a character problem player.

[Sassy]

You can never have to many RB's in the NFL. I really hope Henry doesnt get cut , I like the guy for some reason.

Yeah me too...Bronco fans tend to forget he was leading the league in rushing for the first month before he got hurt.

[njbronco93]

That wasn't a DB that Marshawn bullied into the Endzone. It was Ian Gold. :~ohyah!:

it was Jeff Shoate

[lex]

Yeah me too...Bronco fans tend to forget he was leading the league in rushing for the first month before he got hurt.

No, I dont think people have forgotten that. I think most people realize that 4 games is only 25% of the season and that they dont hand out rushing titles and MVP awards for a quarter of the season.

[NFLBRONCO]

Yeah me too...Bronco fans tend to forget he was leading the league in rushing for the first month before he got hurt.

He also leads the league in making babies :). When we sign a big FA we need them to produce ALL YEAR whether its Henry or whoever we sign this year. It seems the trend is getting next to nothing from our big FA signings which upsets us. We can't seem to sign enough guys that last longer then one year before problems arise.

To me Henry is as sharp as a marble.